New York State allows you to see a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor and be covered by most health insurance companies.

Muscle Cramps

You have over 600 muscles in your body. These muscles control everything you do, from breathing to putting food in your mouth to swallowing.

When it comes to muscle cramps, the most commonly affected muscles are the muscles of your upper arms, the muscles behind your thighs, and the muscles in the front of your thighs.

This article will help you understand

• what muscle cramps are
• how the problem develops
• what treatment options are available
• how muscle cramps can be prevented

Portions of this document copyright MMG, LLC.

Anatomy

What parts of the body are involved?

Muscles are composed of many fibers bundled together; the bigger, more frequently used muscles have more fibers than the smaller, lesser used ones. Among the muscles are voluntary and involuntary muscles. Voluntary, or striated muscles are those that we move by choice (for example, the muscles in your arms and legs). These muscles are attached to bones by tendons, a sinewy type of tissue. Involuntary muscles, or smooth muscles, are the ones that move on their own (for example, the muscles that control your diaphragm and help you breathe). The muscles in your heart are called involuntary cardiac muscles.

When it comes to muscle cramps, the most commonly affected muscles are the gastrocnemius (calf muscles), triceps (the muscles in your upper arms), the hamstrings (the muscles behind your thighs), and the quadriceps (the muscles in front of your thighs).

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